Sharapova sets sights on London Olympics

PARIS (AP):

Maria Sharapova is making the London Olympics one of her top priorities this year after missing the Beijing Games with an injury.

The third-ranked Russian has already won three Grand Slams, but has never competed at the Olympics.

Sharapova said yesterday that "representing my country will be a huge honour" and is something she has wanted to do "since I was a young kid".

injury denial

Sharapova missed the 2008 Beijing Olympics because of a shoulder injury.

Sharapova reached the final of the Australian Open last month and said she hopes that will be a springboard for winning another Grand Slam title this year.

She is competing in the Open GDF Suez for the first time this week.